Today I spent 30 minutes staring at a blank screen, trying to come up with a paragraph to introduce this.

“This” is Tedd Patterson – a legend in this business – talking about another legendary music man, Frankie Knuckles.

Tedd has been enlisted with the UK’s Chambray to remix “Get Over U” by Frankie Knuckles and Eric Kupper (as Director’s Cut) featuring B. Slade. The remix pack is out today and Tedd Patterson’s remix is absolutely electrifying.

If you had a Arthurian roundtable of 10 bad ass DJs from history, Tedd Patterson has a permanent seat with his name written on the back of it. He began spinning in the 1970s and has set standards of longevity and taste measured by smarter and more talented people than I. He handles this remix with a veteran’s eye and a DJ’s soul and conjures up a little bit of sorcery on this one too.

Here is our interview with Tedd Patterson. This is a good one.

I appreciate you taking the time to do this. Prior to this record the last thing I saw you did with regard to Frankie Knuckles was a really beautiful two part DJ mix. Can you tell us the circumstances when you made that?

Hi Terry, my pleasure.

I was asked by Def Mix to compile two mixes for Frankie’s New York memorial. The first mix was to be mellow for the early part of the evening when guests and friends arrived, mingled, reminisced… Judy Weinstein wanted the guests to be reminded of his contributions and his spirit. The other mix was upbeat for the celebration of life, and post ceremony.

Going through all of his music was quite an emotional experience! The following year I decided to post the first mix on the anniversary of his death. I’m satisfied that in the end I was able to offer something that represents his essence.

I searched through my memory, and then I searched through my records and then I searched through Discogs and came up empty. When did you and Frankie work together in the past? This isn’t the first remix, or is it?

Outside of headlining a few parties together over the years, we never got a chance to work in the studio. I was slated to be featured on his label “Noice” after remixing Marco Militano’s “The Good People.” It was a labor of love that Frankie fell in love with. It was quickly signed, but things went quiet for a few years with the label – some health issues, I assumed. A few years later though, Frankie and Eric Kupper did a great updated version of the song. Theirs is classic.

Sometimes I like to ask myself “Can the queens walk to this? Will they carry to this?” Because I know that’s a thing… That’s a feeling!

Who brought this project to you?

The lovely Simon Hawes at SoSure music. He knew what a fan I was of the original versions and he knows my love of Frankie and Eric. When I ran into him at ADE last year he informed me that he’d be releasing some remixes for Directors Cut and he asked if I’d like to do this one.

Can you describe for us your process in working on a remix? What are you looking for and is there something that you feel it’s your job to make it a “Tedd Patterson Remix”?

I approach every mix in a different way. My process can be a bit varied as well. I usually go with feel. Beats are important to me. I start there. Sometimes I like to ask myself “Can the queens walk to this? Will they carry to this?” Because I know that’s a thing… That’s a feeling! There’s a snap, a swing, an effect… Then I step away and re-approach it with new ears.

With this mix, I wanted to capture the spirit of Frankie, the spirit of House. I wanted to keep the integrity of what was already a great tune and focus on my favorite elements of the original. I slowed it down a couple BPMs to create a deeper vibe, focused on spotlighting the bass more for a groovier feel, and then hired my friend Will Reelsoul to add some additional textures and keys to give it more of a classic feel. He’s a great player.

What excites me most is the possibility of reaching new DJs and fans of House and informing them of THE SOURCE. Let these bitches know who Frankie was and how this all started.

What is your most indispensable tool in the studio?

Logic!

Thank you for doing your part to continue Frankie’s legacy. Do you have any thoughts on this record and his legacy in general?

I LOVE THIS RECORD! I feel lucky to be a part of this project and I’m proud that I can represent Frankie and help extend the life of one of my favorite records as well.

What excites me most is the possibility of reaching new DJs and fans of House and informing them of THE SOURCE. Let these bitches know who Frankie was and how this all started.

Tedd Patterson’s remixes of “Get Over U” by Frankie Knuckles presents Director’s Cut featuring B. Slade is out now on SoSure Music.

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